By Jeremy Sollars
BEING driven barking mad by a dog in your neighbourhood? The Southern Downs Regional Council has a new information kit you can get your paws on.
The council says a dog barking constantly can be annoying to neighbours, though sometimes the owner is unaware that the barking is causing a nuisance to the neighbourhood.
The council’s environmental services manager Tim O’Brien said the new information package gives the public some tools and guidance about how to deal with a dog that is barking excessively.
“As a first step, it encourages a person affected by a barking dog from a neighbouring property to discuss the issue with their neighbour,” Mr O’Brien said.
“More often than not, the issue can be resolved by speaking to the owner of the dog first and making them aware of the nuisance, without making a formal complaint to the council. This is certainly the best outcome, particularly for neighbourly relationships.
“The council does understand though, that there may be situations where a person isn’t comfortable approaching their neighbour and in this case the package includes a letterbox-drop style form that a person can use to communicate the issue of the barking dog to their neighbour.”
Mr O’Brien said if the owner of the dog agrees to do something about the barking, it’s important to give them a few weeks to see if they have been successful.
“Your support and ongoing feedback about the dog’s behaviour can assist its owner to resolve the problem,” he said.
“But if the dog continues to bark after the owner has had time to address the issue, you can report the matter to council.
“In this case, you will be asked to complete a Noise Nuisance Diary to assist council to verify your complaint, and if the alleged barking nuisance is proven to be a breach of the local laws, the dog owner may be subject to an on-the-spot fine.”
To download the information package, visit the council’s website www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/pets—animals/barking-dogs, or contact the council on 1300 MY SDRC (1300 697 372).
For information on devices to stop dogs barking visit Google.
